Russia: president outlines foreign policy goals

The treaty, signed on July 31, 1991 by the United States and the Soviet Union, places limits on the number of various types of vehicles and attributed warheads that could be deployed by either side.

Photo: Russia: president outlines foreign policy goals

Putin also stressed that relations between Russia and the United States must be based on mutual respect, the AP reports.

Turning to global issues, Putin said his country would not pursue ultimatums in dealing with the tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

The United States and Europe are pressing Iran to quickly respond to a package of incentives to give up uranium enrichment and resume negotiations over its nuclear ambitions.

The West suspects Iran is enriching uranium to create nuclear weapons. Teheran contends the program is intended solely for peaceful electricity generation.

Putin added that Russia has already significantly contributed to helping resolve the crisis by putting forward plans of building international uranium enrichment centers, where Iran could have other countries, such as Russia, enrich uranium on its behalf.